Psychological Therapies for Long-term Health Conditions
Living with a long-term illness or health condition often brings significant emotional challenges. There is an increased likelihood of experiencing difficulties with low mood, depression or anxiety, even if you have never struggled with your mental health in the past. I specialise in helping clients to process the psychological impact of chronic illness, and to manage both their physical and emotional wellbeing more effectively. I bring many years experience working in NHS physical healthcare settings, across different specialties.
Whether you are experiencing low mood, worry, anxiety, or feelings of loss linked to your illness, I can help. I also have a special interest in working with trauma linked to illness and difficult healthcare experiences.
Difficulties I can help with include:
Persistent Pain
Fibromyalgia
Migraine
Endometriosis
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
ME/CFS, Long Covid
Diabetes type 1 and 2
Neurological conditions, FND
Respiratory and Cardiac conditions
Gastroenterological conditions, IBS
Low mood
Stress
Worry
Living with Uncertainty
Stigma
Body image concerns
Symptom anxiety
Sleep disturbance
Loss and adjustment
Healthcare trauma
What is Clinical Psychology?
Seeking therapy can be extremely confusing due to the number of different titles used by therapists. It surprises many people to learn that titles such as ‘counsellor’, ‘psychotherapist’ and ‘psychologist’ are not protected or regulated in the UK; anyone can use these titles and they do not indicate the practitioner’s level of training, qualification or experience. While of course there are many excellent counsellors and psychotherapists, it can be a minefield!
Clinical Psychologist is a protected title in the UK. To practice as a Clinical Psychologist, individuals must have completed at least six years at University, including a three-year Professional Doctorate. This doctoral training includes supervised NHS placements and original research. Clinical Psychologists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), with requirements for regular clinical supervision and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain high standards of practice.
Clinical Psychologists are specialist professionals trained in a range of evidence-based therapies, which they can integrate for a person-centred approach. Unlike Psychiatrists — who are medical doctors — Clinical Psychologists do not typically diagnose or prescribe medication. Instead, their focus is on developing a shared understanding of a person’s difficulties and supporting them to make meaningful, lasting changes. Clinical Psychologists are trained as scientist-practitioners, meaning their work is grounded in psychological theory and guided by the latest research evidence.
Evidence-Based Therapies
I use a number of different therapeutic approaches, each backed by psychological theory and research evidence.
I enjoy collaborating with each client to develop a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Treatment might focus on one particular therapy or might integrate a number of different approaches.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people manage their problems by changing patterns in how they think and behave. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected, and that unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviours can maintain emotional distress.
CBT has extensive research evidence and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for many common psychological and physical health difficulties.
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ACT is a type of therapy that helps people to live more fully and meaningfully, even in the presence of difficult circumstances. It has a growing evidence base and is particularly used in working with physical health conditions such as persistent pain.
The central idea of ACT is that emotional distress comes from people’s attempts to ‘get rid’ of difficult experiences, whether these are upsetting thoughts, emotions, or physical symptoms. ACT teaches mindfulness techniques to help people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting so caught up in them. It also encourages and supports people to take actions that are in line with their values, or what they find most meaningful in their lives.
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CFT is a type of therapy designed to help people who struggle with self-criticism or feelings of shame. It focuses on building the ability to be kinder and more understanding toward yourself, especially during difficult times.
The central idea of CFT is that we have evolved to have ‘tricky brains’, which have a tendency to make us feel anxious and self-critical, and that this isn’t our fault. Through exercises and guided practices, CFT helps people develop a more supportive inner voice, similar to how they might treat a good friend. CFT is especially helpful for people who find it hard to be kind to themselves, perhaps in the context of past trauma or a recent physical health problem.
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EMDR s a type of therapy that helps people to process traumatic or upsetting experiences. It is well-evidenced for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but can also help with anxiety, phobias, and physical health conditions such as persistent pain.
The idea behind EMDR is that when something very distressing happens, the brain sometimes doesn’t process this experience fully. EMDR helps “unstick” these memories so they can be processed in a healthier way and become less distressing and overwhelming.
If you would like to discuss starting therapy sessions, please follow the link below to book a free 15 minute Chemistry Call, or contact me to arrange a suitable time. We will discuss what you are looking for help with and whether we will be a good fit to work together. Please read the Privacy Policy before booking online.
Fees
The fee for self-funding clients is £120 per 50-minute appointment. I am a recognised provider of psychology with the following insurers: Bupa, AXA, Aviva, WPA, Vitality.
